Which place is cheaper, San Ignacio or Playa del Carmen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Playa del Carmen or San Ignacio?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or San Ignacio? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Playa del Carmen or San Ignacio?
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
San Ignacio
So you want a tropical getaway, but also don't want to lay around with nothing to do. You want an adventure! You want relaxation and exploration.
You want to visit the small town of San Ignacio, Belize.
This section of the Cayo region is really more of a jungle than a typical Belize beach getaway. Located close the ancient Mayan ruins on the western and inland side of Belize, this town is most popular for its many outdoor adventures including hiking, climbing, and caving!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Budget Tours to Belize, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81San Ignacio $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, while the average daily cost in San Ignacio is $72. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Playa del Carmen and San Ignacio in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40San Ignacio $19
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80San Ignacio $38
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and San Ignacio
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen or San Ignacio? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices and San Ignacio Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24San Ignacio $3.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Cancun International Airport From/to Akumal - Private Transfer: $130
- Transfer in Private vehicle from Xcaret - Cancun Airport (CUN): $88
- 2x1 Tour: Isla Contoy, Isla Mujeres, Open Bar, Lunch and Transfers: $190
- Access to Xel-Há Park with Transfer: $145
- Airport Transfers to Playa del Carmen - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $227
- Akumal to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Akumal to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $77
- Amazing ATV (single) Cenote and Ziplines with Transfer from Playa del Carmen: $80
- CUN Airport One-Way/Round-Trip Transfers to Playa del Carmen: $115
- Cancún Airport Transfer to Playa del Carmen One Way: $119
- Cancun Airport Private Transfer One Way: To or From Akumal area Up to 03 Pass.: $105
- Cancun Airport Round Trip transfer to Puerto Aventuras: $190
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Ignacio
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Ignacio:
- From Van Transfer To Flores Peten in Guatemala: $20
- San Ignacio Hotel to Belize City Transfer: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or San Ignacio?
Prices for flights to both San Ignacio and Playa del Carmen change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayPlaya del Carmen $24San Ignacio $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $60
- Walking Food Tour: $65
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $77
- Mexican Cooking Class: $100
- Seafood Tour in Playa del Carmen: $101
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $104
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Cultural Coba Sunset Adventure with Dinner and show from Cancun: $130
- Sunset Adventure in Coba and Dinner with Show from Riviera Maya: $155
- Riviera Maya: Sunset Cruise with Beach Dinner and Open Bar: $158
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Ignacio
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Ignacio.
- Xunantunich & Food Tour with local chocolate experience: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $17San Ignacio $100
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Shopping Tour & Tulum Mayan Ruins: $11
- Cancun Airport: Bus Ticket to/from Playa del Carmen: $14
- Tulum Ruins: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Ek Balam: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Riviera Maya: Frida Kahlo Museum Guided Tour 2024: $20
- YAL-KÚ Park in Riviera Maya Admission Ticket: $23
- Chichen Itza and Cenote Full Day Tour from Playa del Carmen: $28
- Ultramar Ferry, Regular round ticket, Playa del Carmen-Cozumel: $32
- Tulum and 2 Cenotes Half Day Tour from Riviera: $34
- Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to/from Cozumel: $35
- Mayan tour 4x1: Tulum, Cobá, Cenote & Playa del carmen: $35
- Tulum Ruins and Amusement Park Shared Tour: $37
Tours and Activities in San Ignacio
Here are a few actual costs in San Ignacio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Xunantunich Maya Site with Local Tour guide: $65
- Xunantunich & Adventure Horse Ride: $75
- Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour from San Ignacio: $75
- Half-Day Cave Canoeing Adventure: $75
- From Xunantunich Mayan Tour & Optional Combos: $75
- Cave Canoeing with Local Tour Guide: $80
- Cave Tubing with local tour Guide and Belizean Lunch: $90
- Farm Ride plus Xunantunich tour: $90
- Belize Cave Tubing Adventure from San Ignacio: $90
- Full-Day Mountain Pine Ridge Tour from San Ignacio with Lunch: $100
- Xunantunich horseback riding tour: $100
- Private Tour:Xunantunich Mayan Ruin from San Ignacio: $103
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $21San Ignacio $17
When comparing the travel costs between Playa del Carmen and San Ignacio, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Playa del Carmen is in North America and San Ignacio is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is San Ignacio Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or San Ignacio?
Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Ignacio. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and San Ignacio, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen or San Ignacio?
Playa del Carmen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Ignacio experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or San Ignacio in the Summer?
Both San Ignacio and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to San Ignacio because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as San Ignacio. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 28°C (82°F), and San Ignacio fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in San Ignacio. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Ignacio during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while San Ignacio receives 226 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than San Ignacio. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)San Ignacio 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or San Ignacio in the Autumn?
Both San Ignacio and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Ignacio year-round.
Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as San Ignacio in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and San Ignacio fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than San Ignacio. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Ignacio receives 196 hours of full sun.
San Ignacio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in October than San Ignacio. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)San Ignacio 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or San Ignacio in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and San Ignacio. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. San Ignacio attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as San Ignacio. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and San Ignacio averages at about 24°C (74°F).
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than San Ignacio during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while San Ignacio receives 199 hours of full sun in the winter.
San Ignacio receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than San Ignacio. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)San Ignacio 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or San Ignacio in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as San Ignacio. The spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Ignacio throughout the year.
In April, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as San Ignacio. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and San Ignacio fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Ignacio. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Ignacio receives 256 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than San Ignacio. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)San Ignacio 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for San Ignacio and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | San Ignacio | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 243 mm (9.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.